CONFLICT AND PEACE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

Kenya has experienced different types of conflicts that range from internal disputes between and within different groups, to cross-border confrontations with groups from neighboring countries. These conflicts, which manifest themselves either violent or non-violently, are exacerbated by the spill-over effects from the wider conflicts in the great Lakes Region and the horn of Africa. They are caused by various complex and interrelated factors that include poor governance, poverty, competition for scarce resources and identity-based rivalries. the violent conflicts are further complicated by the preference of small arms and light weapons(SALW).the effects of proliferation of illicit SALW are felt in gun-related crimes particularly in centers and in pastoral areas.

Conflicts have caused extensive damage to life and property, and adversely impacted on economic development in Kenya . their political, economical, social and cultural costs include the lowering of economic productivity, weakening of political institutions, incapacity to provide essential services, destruction and depletion if natural resources, increased food insecurity and capital flight. Violent conflict often leads to displacement of population either as refuges, internally displaced persons or besieged populations. If not addressed, the problem of IDPS, landlessness and squatters will continue to be a major treat to peace and security in Kenya . Beyond the material impact, violent conflicts have psychological, physical and emotional repercussions and affects mainly experienced by individuals and groups, and the consequences lack of trust in the existing institutional forms of governance.

High incidences of intertwined conflicts in the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa have witnessed a tremendous increase in the number of agencies working on peace and conflict issues at local, national and religion levels. Whether responding to humanitarian needs or roots causes, a fundamental problem in Kenya has been lack of an institutional framework and co-coordinated approach to conflict management. 

The concern to promote peace and stability in Kenya has been with policy makers and civil society operatives for decades as reflected in active and continuous engagement with the local peace initiatives albeit with varying degrees of success. to cope with all these development and challenges, and to fully realize the country's peace building potential, there is a consensus on the urgent need for a comprehensive and viable strategy for peace building and conflict resolution in the country. This national policy framework with regional perspective will guide the work and operations of all stakeholders. it re-focuses peace building and conflict management efforts and practices towards measures that increase the potential for peaceful co-existence and human security as precursors for sustainable development, and a just and peaceful society.

Interventions by state and non-state actors to various conflicts in the country are as old as the conflicts themselves, yet conflict continue unabated. This is largely because responses have been uncoordinated and lack a strong institutions framework. lack of institutional framework meant that most actors were acting on ad hoc basis and in most cases, they have been reactionary in nature. Lack of norms, values and principles to sufficient resources have not been mobilized to prevent latent conflicts and enable rapid response when conflicts occur. This national policy therefore, strives to respond to these glaring gaps

To achieve the above, the following measures and processes are important

• Assess the risks and vulnerabilities associated with different conflicts
• Provide clarity on the roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders concerned with peace building and conflict management for effective management of conflicts
• Establish and maintain a proactive program on peace building and conflict management through existing sectoral and inter sectoral development programs, integrated into the overall national development plan
• Mainstream HIV/AIDS awareness and response in peace building and conflict management programs
• Mainstream awareness on drugs and substance abuse in peace building and conflict management programs and initiatives.

OUR APPROACH

1. Proactive and preventive measures
2. Cultural sensitivity
3. Conflict sensitivity
4. Participation and inclusivity
5. Research based
6. Gender sensitivity
7. Collaboration and co-operation
8. Accountability and Transparency